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Kentucky Owner Operator Jobs

Owner-operators have a range of trucking opportunities in Kentucky. If you're interested in using your business skills to start a rewarding truck driving career, this may be the path for you. Owner-operators take on quite a range of responsibilities that company truck drivers don't have. You may need to balance your books, schedule loads and trips, and communicate with clients to ensure that they are happy. After going through the steps to become licensed as an owner-operator in Kentucky, you may find that this is a great business opportunity.

One of the best parts of being self-employed is that you can determine your own salary through hard work and perseverance. While you may start off at a lower salary than company drivers, you may be able to quickly earn an above-average salary if you can prove yourself to your clients. Some owner-operators find that the early years of business ownership require long hours and sacrifice to make a business sustainable. On average, truck drivers in Kentucky earn $36,400 per year (O*Net, 2013).

Though you won't be looking for a job with a truck driving company, the state's is promising. It may indicate truck driving needs that are not being met by trucking companies that are low on staff.

If you do not yet have a truck driving license, that should be one of your first goals. Even as a self-employed driver, you must still have the proper licensing to navigate tractor-trailers on the open road. For owner-operators, a Class A license is recommended. This gives you fewer limitations in your business, possibly allowing you to sign a greater variety of clients and earn more money.

Depending on which type of program you attend, you may spend two to eight weeks in school. Your education may begin with a classroom portion that covers driving laws, trucking concepts, and other important subjects. Once you have demonstrated your abilities in this way, you can move onto the practical experience part of your training. This involves working one-on-one with a driving instructor.

Completing your program means that it's time to go to the Motor Vehicle Licensing Department of Kentucky. Once you have your CDL, you may wish to take a few business courses or prepare for the business part of your career in another way.

The Secretary of State oversees business licensing in Kentucky. Prior to being an owner-operator, you must get your business licensed and line up the appropriate insurance.